| |
CX2SA > ARES 20.11.09 03:42l 531 Lines 27628 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 19079_CX2SA
Read: GUEST
Subj: ARES E-Letter November 18 2009
Path: IZ3LSV<IK2XDE<DB0RES<ON0AR<HS1LMV<CX2SA
Sent: 091120/0234Z @:CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA #:19079 [Minas] FBB7.00e $:19079_CX2SA
From: CX2SA@CX2SA.LAV.URY.SA
To : ARES@WW
The ARES E-Letter November 18, 2009
Editor: Rick Palm, K1CE
The View from Flagler County
Within days, the almost non-existent 2009 hurricane season will draw to a
close. It was the quietest season I can remember. We did get a shot across
the bow from storm Ida, which turned out be mainly a non-event; although as
this is written, remnants are pounding the mid-Atlantic region.
According to a report forwarded by Northern Florida SEC Joe Bushel, W2DWR,
Section Manager Paul Eakin, KJ4G, monitored the progress of Ida and called
contacts in Tallahassee for information and coordination. He alerted section
officials to be ready to handle storm traffic. Mutual assistance plans with
neighboring sections were trotted out to effect regional coordination and
requests for assistance with Florida state EOC officials. Communication with
ARRL HQ was started as well.
The National Weather Service station at Tallahassee was in operation with
amateurs taking observations over the air via HF, and Echolink via its UHF
repeater. The staff was in the process of running a portable D-STAR radio.
Working with John Davis, WB4QDX, in Atlanta, the Southeast WX Net on a
D-STAR reflector was ready to serve Georgia, Alabama and Florida along with
any other areas of need.
Northern Florida Section net managers set up a list of net control stations
for round-the-clock monitoring of emergency frequency 3950 kHz for potential
traffic. The net would also mean having an HF station listening for any
amateur anywhere who called for assistance to get a reply and help if
needed. They had 22 assigned amateurs who shared various shifts. Some 45
amateurs checked in from around the east coast of the US.
Two northern Florida county EOCs were manned 24/7 with ARES ops on the
radios. The state EOC-ESF2 staff had called for two amateurs to report to a
shelter and the EOC of Walton county. A quick check into the Northern
Florida Data Base of operators quickly provided the contact information and
within minutes, a duplication request was averted as the Walton county EC
was on the scene and provided the personnel for the assignment. The new
database proved invaluable on its first test.
Eakin was proud of the approximately 50 amateurs from the Northern Florida
Section responding. The West Central Florida, Alabama, and Georgia Sections
also displayed the true amateur spirit and dug in. Information from the West
Panhandle DEC and his ECs kept both Bushel and Eakin completely informed.
Eakin concluded: "The amateurs did a great job.This event brought out good
teamwork and training paid off." For a more comprehensive report, see the
ARRL Web story here. http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/12/11192/?nc=1
This Issue:
* Georgia Receives $165,000 To Supplement D-STAR Network
* National Weather Service/ARRL SKYWARN Recognition Day: December 5
* GAREC 2010 Slated for Curacao
* ARRL Officials Attend Emergency Managers Confab
* H1N1 Flu Guide Available
* 2009 Kentucky Disaster Institute Courses of Interest to ARES
* FCC Issues Public Notice on Amateur Radio and Government Disaster Drills
* Santa Cruz County Hams Called to Assist During Wildfires
* Letters
* K1CE For a Final
Georgia Receives $165,000 To Supplement D-STAR Network
------------------------------------------------------
Federal funding has been secured by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
to complete a statewide D-STAR emergency communications network. The
network's creation was started by Mark Fehlig, WA6NGC, the former Director
of Engineering for the state's Public Broadcasting System. When the
opportunity arose to install two Amateur Radio antennas on each of nine
television towers providing statewide coverage, Fehlig jumped into action
and designated Georgia ARES to control the use of those sites for emergency
communications.
The next task was to pick the best technology to use. FM repeaters and
packet were among the modes considered, but the emerging Digital Smart
Technology for Amateur Radio (D-STAR) was chosen. The state of the art
technology provides simultaneous voice and data communications. D-STAR
allows repeaters to be linked on a flexible basis and permits simultaneous
voice and low speed data along with high speed Internet connectivity at 1.2
GHz.
When the network is finished, radio amateurs will have access to voice and
data repeaters on all nine towers across the state, operating on 2 meters,
440 MHz and 1.2 GHz. Because those towers are strategically located to
provide maximum public television coverage, amateur radio communications
will benefit from wide area coverage as well. Georgia's Public Broadcasting
Network will provide tower space, feed line, indoor space for equipment,
backup power and Internet access at each site.
This grant will help ARES provide better service to its partners, enhance
Amateur Radio technology, and add to the tremendous coverage of digital
Amateur Radio in the Southeastern Division. See the Georgia ARES Web site
for more information.
John Davis, WB4QDX, was appointed as District Emergency Coordinator in
charge of the network. Davis said "After considering several technology
options and modes for creating a statewide Amateur Radio network, the D-STAR
technology made the most sense." Further, "the funding also provides 20
dual-band D-STAR radios for installation at EMA offices around the state, a
portable UHF D-STAR repeater for emergency deployment, three 1.2 GHz D-STAR
radios with laptops for sending data and photos from field locations and a
robust reflector to serve the Georgia network during emergency conditions
and available for general use during non-emergency times."
The complete Georgia D-STAR network should be in operation by early 2010.
Davis said "the Georgia network will complement other D-STAR systems planned
or in operation in neighboring states of Alabama, Florida and South
Carolina, creating regional capabilities in the southeast. Weather systems
approach Georgia either as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes from the west
or tropical systems from the Gulf or the Atlantic. Having flexible statewide
communications will provide new capabilities to support emergency
communications." - Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director,
and John Davis, WB4QDX, District Emergency Coordinator, Georgia ARES
National Weather Service/ARRL SKYWARN Recognition Day: December 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The 11th annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) will take place this year on
Saturday, December 5. Radio amateurs will operate from many National Weather
Service (NWS) offices around the United States.The purpose of the event is
to recognize Amateur Radio operators for the vital public service they
perform during times of severe weather and to strengthen the bond between
radio amateurs and their local National Weather Service office. The event is
co-sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and the National Weather
Service.
Traditionally, hams have assisted the National Weather Service during times
of severe weather by providing real-time reports of severe events and storm
evolution. The assistance that radio amateurs provide to the NWS throughout
the year is invaluable.
SKYWARN Recognition Day this year will be held from 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC on
Saturday, December 5, 2009. (That means the event officially begins on
Friday evening in the United States). To learn more, check the NOAA Web
site. -- Steve Ewald, WV1X, Supervisor, Field Organization Team
GAREC 2010 Slated for Curacao
-----------------------------
The Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference (GAREC) will
return to Region 2 next year in Curacao, October 11-12. The theme of the
conference will be "Learning through practicing." Details will be announced
as they become available.
The GAREC mission is to help Amateur Radio operators to be better prepared
for emergency communications and create exercises at both the national and
international levels. GAREC exists to foster the exchange of information and
experiences among all Amateur Radio operators and groups that are interested
in emcomms. Their vision is to have regular world wide cooperation and
understanding between governments and the Amateur Radio Service in the field
of emcomms. -- Seppo Sisatto, Ph.D, OH1VR, Tampere, Finland
ARRL Officials Attend Emergency Managers Confab
-----------------------------------------------
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2009 Annual
Conference was held earlier this month in Orlando, Florida. ARRL Emergency
Preparedness and Response Manager Dennis Dura, K2DCD and Southeastern
Division Director Greg Sarratt, W4OZK represented the League. During the
event, Dura and Sarratt networked with emergency management staff from
around the United States giving Amateur Radio exposure in the superb
five-day conference. The results of this interaction were a clear invitation
by all that Amateur Radio needs to maintain its status as a significant
contributor to the readiness and response capabilities of this country.
The IAEM Conference and EXPO promoted current trends and topics, information
about the latest tools and technology in emergency management, homeland
security and overall preparedness. Sessions included stakeholders at all
levels of government, the private sector, public health and related
professions that exchanged ideas and information on collaborating to protect
lives and property from disaster. This year's conference attendance was a
record breaking 2043 attendees, including emergency managers, homeland
security officials, first responders, NGO's, military, private industry and
Amateur Radio.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate was the Keynote Speaker. Mr. Fugate was
previously the Director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management. He
talked about the need to build teams, relationships and partnerships with
all sectors of volunteer or unpaid professionals in all phases of emergency
management.
Not surprisingly, many emergency management staff are Amateur Radio
licensees--something that comes forth clearly in the many discussions that
were had. Dura and Sarratt had discussions with IAEM leadership on pending
legislation and regulatory issues. Outgoing President Russell Decker, in one
of his last official acts on behalf of the IAEM-USA Board came forth with
written support of Amateur Radio with Senate Bill 1755 and House of
Representatives Bill HR-2160. This effort was spearheaded within the IAEM by
Past President Larry Gispert, KR4X. Additionally, IAEM leadership expressed
the strong desire that Amateur Radio and the ARRL participate more actively
in IAEM around the country and at future annual conferences through training
classes, workshop sessions and informational exhibits. -- Greg Sarratt,
W4OZK, ARRL Southeastern Division Director
H1N1 Flu Guide Available
------------------------
The Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith Based and
Neighborhood Partnerships has announced a new resource for community and
faith-based organizations: H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community & Faith-based
Organizations.
Community and faith-based organizations are essential partners in
comprehensive state and local flu response, and this guide was created to
support them this flu season. The guide provides specific action steps that
community and faith-based organizations can take to help keep communities
healthy during flu season, including:
* Communicating important information about flu.
* Supporting vaccination efforts
* Linking vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations to vital information and
resources
Visit http://flu.gov/professional/community/ to download the guide. - Dennis
Dura, K2DCD, ARRL Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager
2009 Kentucky Disaster Institute Courses of Interest to ARES
------------------------------------------------------------
The American Red Cross Louisville (Kentucky) Area Chapter Disaster Services
is currently presenting the 2009 Kentucky Disaster Institute, November 16-
21. This year it is being held in a new location: Campbellsville University
(Louisville Campus). The Institute is bigger and better than ever, with 40
Disaster Services courses in six days, including several new courses.
Disaster Training courses are offered free of charge to registered Red Cross
disaster volunteers only through many Regional Red Cross offices throughout
the country. For information on registering for a disaster class, please
contact your local chapter. To find your local Red Cross Chapter, click here.
A few of the more relevant courses for ARES operators include:
* Disaster Assessment Basics
The purpose of this course is to provide a general overview of the tasks
performed by Red Cross Disaster Assessment workers in support of a disaster
relief operation and a local incident such as a single or multi-family fire.
This course is not a replacement for the "Fundamentals of Disaster
Assessment" course, which is still the required course for members who wish
to participate in the Disaster Assessment activity on a disaster relief
operation.
* Disaster Mental Health: An Overview
Introduces participants to the roles, responsibilities and benefits of the
Disaster Mental Health activity within the Individual Client Services group.
Participants will learn how Disaster Mental Health supports both the
disaster relief operations workers and clients within the disaster affected
community.
* Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command Liaison
Because the consequences of the Red Cross' ability to manage relationships
with the government, emergency management, and its partners can have
significant and high profile ramifications, government and emergency
management assignment settings require knowledgeable disaster workers, who
can understand the inner workings of both government and Red Cross disaster
response. The course will prepare participants who will be assigned to
government and emergency settings to work collaboratively with Red Cross
partners, helping to ensure a coordinated response that results in effective
service delivery.
* ERVs: Ready, Set, Roll
Prepares course participants to operate an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV)
and its equipment safely and effectively to meet feeding and other service
needs of people affected by disaster.
* Foundations of Disaster Mental Health
This course prepares Licensed Mental Health Professionals to provide for and
respond to the psychological needs of people across the continuum of
disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
* Fundamentals of Disaster Assessment
The purpose of this course is to introduce the critical role of Disaster
Assessment, explore related preparedness tasks, learn how to collect and
communicate disaster assessment information, and become familiar with how
disaster assessment information supports management and service delivery
decisions.
* Mass Care Overview
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the activities
performed by the Mass Care group in support of a disaster relief operation.
* Mass Casualty Disasters
The purpose of this course is to prepare Red Cross volunteers and employees
to provide a more effective initial response to a mass casualty disaster.
* Psychological First Aid
The purpose of this course is to prepare all American Red Cross workers to
provide basic care, comfort and support to people who are experiencing
disaster-related stress. This course provides a framework for understanding
the factors that affect stress responses in disaster relief workers and the
clients they serve.
* Shelter Operations
The purpose of this training is to prepare volunteers and employees of the
Red Cross and other agencies to effectively and sensitively manage shelter
operations as a team while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result
of a disaster.
* Shelter Simulation
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with an opportunity
to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to operate a
successful shelter.
* Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism: An Overview
This course is designed to create awareness and provide basic information
about the issues and safety concerns related to responding to a disaster
incident in an environment involving Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism
(WMD/T).
Summary
As mentioned earlier, the above courses and others are available through
your local Red Cross Chapters and also through the American Red Cross
Learning Management System on-line. They are pertinent to ARES operators'
emergency communications and disaster relief interests, not only in
connection with Red Cross operations, but in general. Check them out. --
Thanks to Robert Bauer, KC4HM, who wrote: "I receive various e-mails from
the Community Disaster Education Associate at the Louisville Chapter of the
American Red Cross. I thought that this would be appropriate for ARES. Since
Amateur Radio operators routinely assist the American Red Cross, I believe
some of the courses would be beneficial for both amateur operators and the
Red Cross. Additionally, in-person courses would provide an opportunity to
make contacts and to develop a common understanding of each entity's
functions and capabilities."
FCC Issues Public Notice on Amateur Radio and Government Disaster Drills
------------------------------------------------------------------------
In September, the ARRL released guidelines that address numerous aspects of
the issue of business communications in the Amateur Service. After last
month's ARES E-Letter report on the policy paper, the FCC released a Public
Notice clarifying the Commission's rules relating to the use of Amateur
Radio by licensed amateurs participating in drills and exercises on behalf
of their employers. Entitled Amateur Service Communications During
Government Disaster Drills, the Public Notice addresses participation by
paid employees of organizations taking part in drills.
The Public Notice -- DA 09-2259 -- affirms that the Commission's rules
"specifically prohibit amateur stations from transmitting communications 'in
which the station licensee or control operator has a pecuniary interest,
including communications on behalf of an employer.'" The Public Notice
states that, in order to facilitate participation by employees who wish to
engage in government-sponsored drills and emergency exercises on behalf of
their employers, a waiver can be requested from the FCC by the government
agency sponsoring the drill or exercise (and not by the individual who
wishes to participate in the drill or exercise). The government entity
conducting the drill must include in its waiver application the following
information:
* When and where the drill will take place;
* Identification of the amateur licensees expected to transmit amateur
communications on behalf of their employer;
* Identification of the employer(s) on whose behalf the amateur(s) will be
transmitting; and
*A brief description of the drill.
The waiver request must be filed and acted upon in advance of the drill. The
waiver must be actually granted by the Commission before the amateurs
participate in the drill. It is not enough to apply -- the waiver must be
granted first.
Government entities requesting a waiver for their emergency/disaster drill
should submit a written request addressing the factors listed above to
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th St SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Attn: Scot Stone.
A waiver is needed only for those licensees transmitting messages on behalf
of their employer during the State and local government public safety
agency's "occasionally conducted emergency preparedness or disaster test or
drill." This may, after analysis, turn out to be very few licensees or, by
rearranging functions of participants, a waiver may not be needed. The
Commission has also emphasized that only governmental agencies may apply for
a waiver.
On October 27, the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) granted
the first waiver that allows amateurs who participate in a
government-sponsored emergency preparedness and disaster drill to
communicate on behalf of their employers during the drill. The waiver
request was made on behalf of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. That state
conducted a full-scale exercise on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from 8 AM-5
PM (EDT) to test their emergency response to the possible release of
chemical agents at Blue Grass Army Depot, located near Richmond, Kentucky.
Santa Cruz County Hams Called to Assist During Wildfires
--------------------------------------------------------
Almost 20 years to the day since the Loma Prieta Earthquake shook
California's Bay Area, a wildfire was burning through Santa Cruz County
(approximately 75 miles south of San Francisco) just miles from the
epicenter of the quake that caused part of the Bay Bridge to collapse. Just
as Amateur Radio operators responded to calls for assistance for the
earthquake, 20 years later on October 25, they responded when needed for a
485 acre wildfire.
Letters
-------
CPR Training Options
I thoroughly enjoy your E-Letters. I do take exception when you indicate
that two of the training courses that ARES members should have are the ARC
CPR and First Aid Training. I do agree that these courses are of paramount
importance knowing what we do as ARES members. I am a Red Cross instructor
but would not teach the course to my people if it was a directive. Reason
being, I attempted to get the materials for free or at least at cost and I
would do the training for free. I was told that each trainee needed to pay
the full price. I have asked in the past why ARRL does not include any other
training disciplines and have not gotten a good answer. I for one do not
think that any agency with the exception of the FCC should dictate training
platforms. They all sit on the same emergency care forums. I am looking
forward to an explanation as to why only Red Cross training is mentioned.
Thanks and sorry for the rant. -- Tom Cook, KB3HZA, Washington County,
Tennessee ARES EC
[Editor's note: Tom, the American Heart Association also provides CPR/Basic
Life Support training, and indeed, it's the AHA courses that I take as a
Registered Nurse to keep my certifications current. For information on the
AHA courses, click here. - K1CE]
Commercialization of Amateur Radio Guidelines
Long over due! Thanks much! -- Rolan Clark, W3FDK, Adamstown, Maryland
Rack Mounting
I liked your item in the last ARES E-Letter on racking up your gear. I've
been an adherent of using standardized equipment racks for years, and wish
more radio manufacturers and those of aftermarket gear would think about
adding rack mounting hardware from the get-go.
I'm an audio professional, and I live and die by equipment in 19" racks. A
few comments that might help you, and your readers: The standard 19 inch
equipment rack is a great way to get that station deployable. Now, before
you rush right out to Musician's Friend or your local guitar center to buy
one of those nice racks with the front and rear covers on the caster wheels,
think a minute. Avoid the units with the fake plastic tuck and roll look.
Instead, spend a little more money, and go with Anvil, Calzone or Road
Ready. These racks are built with shock dampening capabilities and are good
fits for your equipment for deployability. You can easily find rack
mountable shelves, drawers for small parts, etc. Check with your local
professional audio emporium and ask for Middle Atlantic products.
Another thought from years in the trenches of doing on site audio: Those
caster wheels look like a good investment, but I find that I don't like
anything bigger than an 8 space rack--small enough for one man to manhandle
in and out of a truck, but still big enough to handle plenty of gear. I
forego the caster wheels. Instead of the caster wheels I prefer my two
wheeled hand truck. Just try wrestling a rack on caster wheels to the
emergency ops location across the gravel parking lot, or through the grass,
or the sand. If the dealer tells me they can't sell me the rack without
caster wheels, I buy the darned thing, drive home, and pop off the little
cheap-o wheels. -- Richard Webb, NF5B, NTS Central Area Net Manager, Eads,
Tennessee
Saw your rack mount in the ARES E-Letter and thought I would forward a photo
of mine. I built this about a year or so ago from a rack case that I had
lying around. The advantage of the rack case is that both the front and rear
have covers that pop on and off with secure latches. Set the unit on a
table, pop the front and back, hookup power and antenna and you are good to
go. Originally I had planned to have batteries in the case but decided
against it because: (1) So far in every instance I have been deployed we had
AC or DC power available; (2) If I need to run off external batteries the
case is wired so that I can plug in my battery pack or even clip to a car
battery; and (3) No battery means less weight. The blank space at the left
contains wiring for my Yaesu FT 100D if I need to go HF. My case was
published in an issue of Popular Communications a year or so ago, and it won
me a year's subscription! - John Gionatti, W9WY, Munster, Indiana
K1CE For a Final
----------------
Although it was a quiet tropical weather season, we cannot become
complacent, and it is now time for the 2009-2010 hurricane preparedness
period when plans are reviewed, improved and circulated, and gear is also
checked and inventories enhanced. Hurricane conferences will be held, and
exercises, like December's SKYWARN Recognition Day will help radio amateurs
gain proficiency. See story above. SRD is a blast of fun, too, by the way.
Don't miss it!
______
Web Site Of The Month: Presidential Disaster Declarations
This FEMA graphic shows the types of disasters by region of the U.S. It can
help serve ARES planning goals on a regional basis. Check it out -- it's
fascinating. Tnx to Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, for the tip.
_______
Also, here's a nice item involving Amateur Radio and MARS in the
interoperability soup, forwarded by Tom Brown, N4TAB, North Carolina ARES
ASEC, and Steve Waterman, K4CJX/AAA9AC, Winlink 2000 Network Administrator,
Winlink Development Team; Army MARS Automation Coordinator/Agency Liaison;
and Assistant Director, ARRL Delta Division. Thanks, gentlemen.
______
I am finally back on the air after a lightning hit took out my entire
station and computer systems in June. It feels great to be back on my old
friendly Northern Florida ARES Net on 3950 kHz every morning. You cannot
find a more dedicated, and finer group of OMs and YLs on the air anywhere.
I have to also say how nice 40 meters is without the broadcasters there! It
feels like a whole new band. When deciding on what organizations to give to
this holiday season, think about making a donation to ARRL. It is the ARRL,
over many years and conferences, to achieve the vastly more utilitarian 40
meter band. I just signed up for the ARRL Life Member payment plan. Happy
Holidays to readers, from all of us here on the corporate mega-campus of the
ARES E-Letter Editorial Staff and Board! 73! Rick, K1CE, Flagler County,
Florida
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The ARES E-Letter is published on the third Wednesday of each month. ARRL
members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their Member Data
Page as described at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/.
Copyright © 2009 American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
